Nappy makers Huggies showed their support for children's hospitals across Australia earlier this month with a cuddly world record attempt.
Network Ten news presenter Carrie Bickmore joined staff at Sydney Children’s Hospital , along with Huggies Baby Club Members and Facebook fans, plus current and past patients and their families for the Huggies Hugs for Healing event which saw a successful bid for the most hugs given in 60 seconds world record.
The fast-paced and fun ‘hugathon’ saw a total of 77 hugs lovingly exchanged, beating the existing record of 75 hugs set in London in 2013.
The record bid marked the second year of Huggies® Hugs for Healing, an initiative with Children's Hospitals who are the national fundraising partnership of the five major national children's hospital foundations.
Over 1.65m treatments are provided for sick and injured children by the five hospitals each year, with the initiative aiming to deliver support and care to sick babies and toddlers.
The Huggies® Hugs for Healing initiative has been inspired through medical research which shows that hugs have a healing effect, having been proven to release serotonin and dopamine – therefore making the record attempt a perfect fit for highlighting the campaign’s purpose.
Speaking after the attempt, which attracted widespread national press attention, Bickmore said she was thrilled with the result.
“As a mum, I know how important a hug can be," she said. "Not just helping children feel loved and comforted, but actually having healing benefits too."
"I’m very proud to be supporting the Huggies Hugs for Healing initiative which will help to positively impact the lives of so many children throughout Australia by helping to fund vital medical equipment. I hope mums and families across the country will join Huggies and me to support Children’s Hospitals and the great work they do every day in our communities."